labor day at the ramp

[jim phillips]

Went to the local lake today, got up early to beat the rush and had the boat in the water when the wife and kids got there. watched a guy drive up in a van with his boat in tow, kids jump out and run for the beach, guy backs down the ramp to within 20 feet of the water, gets out and does his prep work while every one else waits. Unties stern and bow lines, loads his gear from the van into the boat. (10 min)Jumps in the van, backs down the ramp to the water, slams on the brakes. Boat slides in to the water and out into the lake, guy swims out to get it leaving his rig on the ramp. When he gets to the boat it is taking on water (yep forgot the plug) He is to large to climb in so he starts yelling for his kids to swim to the boat and put the plug in. He is holding his finger over the hole.The kids are 50 yards away at the beach and just having a good time...Could care less that the boat is sinking. After 10 min. of yelling and begging the kids swim out to the boat and put the plug in. Swim the boat back to the beach. ( left the boat key in the van) Drives the van to the parking area while standing on the running board so as not to get the seat wet. Gets back to the boat, stands beside it in the water, starts it...Yep in gear about half throtel, boat jumps up on the beach about 10 feet, takes 6 of us (not saying a word ) to push it back in the water. Total time to clear the ramp 35 min. needless to say I stayed as far away from him on the water as I could get.<br /><br /> Some people just dont get it.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: labor day at the ramp

yep sounds like he had a vwry well thought out plan---------- That is to tie up the ramp as long as he could

 

[Bco128]

Re: labor day at the ramp

sounds to me like you could have left you boat at home and sit in one of those camping chairs eating popcorn and watched the ramp.better than any movie out today.

 

[XJoker25xx]

Re: labor day at the ramp

I love going to the ramp and watching people do idiotic things!

 

[DaveS.]

Re: labor day at the ramp

Amen to that. I live in an area that is all saltwater. I wish I owned a brake repair service around here. I can't count how many times I've seen someone back a $40K vehicle into the water half way up the tiresor even up to the bumper. Then they wonder why it died. I've seen some pretty funny things at the boat ramp.

 

[ratherbefishin]

Re: labor day at the ramp

one of the daily pastimes up our way is for the old guys to sit on a bench watching the antic's at the ramp.Someday some one will make a TV show out of it.Sort of a marine''toolshop'' show

 

[wikelam]

Re: labor day at the ramp

no matter where you are at, there will always be idiots.

 

[chuckybaby]

Re: labor day at the ramp

My tourney partner and I pride ourselves in being very quick quick getting the boat in and out of the water. 1 min in and max 3 mins out. I am the first one to ***** about fools on the ramp and usually give them about 2 mins extra before:<br />1) Offering help<br />2) Asking them to get out of the way if they decline<br />3)Backing my 20 footer into whatever space is left in 1 and 2 don't work.<br /><br />Then there are the cranial cramp days:<br /><br />1) Why won't this !@#$% back off the trailer...back up some more !!!!. Stop, the back of the boat is under water because I forgot to take one of the tie downs off...OH Crap, now the waves have moved the front of the boat off the bumper and we can't go fwd either.<br />2) The driver drops one trailer wheel off the submerged concrete portion of the ramp "I told you to keep close to the other side" and it takes 4 guys a**h*** deep in the 58 degree water to lift the **** thing back onto the ramp<br />3) Why won't the boney b**** start this time...that would be:<br />a) You forgot the kill switch<br />b) You remembered the kill switch but installed it incorrectly

 

[braindead0]

Re: labor day at the ramp

Wow, I thought I was slow... went out for the first time in years last weekend.. Old used boat I picked up, which I had run a bit the day before (so I know it runs ;-).<br /><br />Backed in and proceeded to start the motor, not! I didnt' give it more than 20 seconds of trying (thought maybe I hadn't pumped the bulb enough).. when I simply pulled out and parked.. to discover when I replaced the plugs the other night, forgot to put the caps back on ;-)..<br /><br />But at least I didn't tie up the ramp

 

[neumanns]

Re: labor day at the ramp

chuckybaby...Settle down, not everyone is as impatient and reckless as you. Three minutes for a launch (1min+2min courtisy) is not excessive nor even out of line. You say your not recklass? back in beside me after 180 seconds Your right thats not reckless, that would be just plain stupid.

 

[braindead0]

Re: labor day at the ramp

I think that you need to allow for inexperienced boat trailering folks as well, granted if they've refused your help..well.. <br /><br />There are also other factors to figure in as well, some boat/trailer combinations perhaps aren't perfect or able to launch as easily on shallow ramps..which might take a bit more time.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure I managed to launch in under two minutes, and I'm not fast. But I've done it a few times.. probably took 5 minutes the first time I did it!

 

[ZmOz]

Re: labor day at the ramp

Wow...the worst thing I've done is forget to put my motor up...so the skeg made a nice thump-thump-thump noise as I drove up. I thought that was REALLY bad...

 

[Scoop]

Re: labor day at the ramp

I take my time at the prep station, then launch my boat usually myself. I would rather do it right than quick. It still only takes me 5 minutes max, but I remember when it took me 10 because I forgot to take off this strap etc. It is all part of the learning process. <br /><br />Then there are the people that think they are the only ones in the world. Prepping in the lane is not appropriate. Loading in the lane is not appropriate. I wish they would put up courtesy signs at the ramp explaining what to do where. I have seem some basic signs. If they made them bright colors, maybe people would read them.<br /><br />Ther eis a sign on a medium size lake here that has only one plublic ramp. One boat at a time can launch. They have clearly marked prepping areas and signs letting you know that it is a prep only not parking area.

 

[tbeck]

Re: labor day at the ramp

Nothing better than a 12 pack and a lawn chair at the ramp for good entertainment Check this one

 

[toomanyboats]

Re: labor day at the ramp

Saw a good one,new truck,new camper,new boat,100 k at least,at the ramp they load the boat,check everything,then pulls out instruction manual and has wife start reading from page 1,i shook my head and went home,<br />go figure<br />ps (i heard his walkman say BREATH IN , BREATH OUT)LOL

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Re: labor day at the ramp

I am walking the dog at the boat ramp near my home. I watch this moron get out of his car, and wade into the water. He then positions himself between the boat/trailer and the dock. <br /><br />His dopey wife proceeds to back the boat down the ramp. The moron soon finds himself pinched between the trailer and the dock and starts yelling at his wife to pull forward. But being an idiot, she keeps backing up. <br /><br />At this point it is not funny anymore. About three people, myself included run down to the clueless wife an tell her to stop backing in. Which she does. She sat there for about two minutes before she realized what she was doing. She then pulls forward freeing her equally moronic husband. <br /><br />It then became funny again as both the husband and wife started yelling at each other, and angrily went home without even getting on the water.<br /><br />At least these idiots were off the water for that day.

 

[chuckybaby]

Re: labor day at the ramp

neumans...I object in the most strenuous terms...I am NOT reckless. Impatient, yes very with the inconsiderate people who block the boat ramp. Are you suggesting that I should wait patiently while:<br />a) The guy with the tubular frame/canvas cover kayak assembles it across the bottom of the ramp ?<br />b) The clown with the 26' cuddy on a rickshaw of a trailer digs ruts with the front wheels of his K car while trying to pull the behemoth up the ramp?<br />c) The drunk who is launching his 12 foot aluminium off a snowmobile trailer in the middle of a 3 car wide ramp drinks his beer and yells at his kids.<br />d)The PWC boys launch and leave their trucks, cars, trailers, coolers, wet suits and other crap in the middle of the ramp.<br /> <br />Don't know where you live but here, the ramps are few and far between and your lucky if there is enough room for 2 to launch at the same time. Fishing time is even more precious. I am never rude or abusive (at 5'8' and 130 soaking wet can't afford to be cuz I don't run as fast as I used to) I just ain't gonna wait while some idiot wastes time.<br /> <br />Also, the rookies are usually grateful and accept the offer of help. They usually end up launched and parked pretty quickly. It's the "experienced" AH's that figure they own that ramp and can take as much time and space as they want that bug me.<br /> <br />You probably won't have to worry about me tho, I'm guessing you ALWAYS leave enough room on the ramp for the second guy to back down.

 

[jpbaker]

Re: labor day at the ramp

I've always found people to be patient when I follow some simple rules I've set for myself so if anything does go wrong at the dock they're more forgiving.<br />1. make sure it runs before I leave, if not be prepared to pull it over to shore once it's off the trailer, if it doesn't.<br />2. Prep everything in the stage lane, if the guy<br />behind you is ready (and you see he is) wave him on (courtesy is contagious ((sp))) don't let people rush you here, take your time and get it right before you proceed to the ramp.<br />3. If your alone and someone wants to help,let them (it's not a anti macho thing to let them).<br />And tie up at the end of the dock.<br />4. If your with some one that knows how to drive your boat (spouse, friend ect). have them take the boat out and pick you up at the dock when your finished parking your rig. Same process when you come in. Or you do it, (you get the picture)<br />5.Show a little hustle, you don't have to rush but if people see your making an attempt to get launched in a timely manner. Just don't take a "well I waited my turn, they can wait their's"<br />(believe me this sticks out like a big dog).<br />Everybody that owns a boat has trouble on occasion, best laid plans of mice and men, that sort of thing. I screwed up plenty when I first started and still do at times. But if folks see your Half-As*ed organized, and are trying your best they'll cut you some slack. "That's just my opinion course I could be wrong".

 

[neumanns]

Re: labor day at the ramp

Chuckybaby...You are extreamly efficient. Not everyone is afforded the oppertunity to become as efficient as you are. I belive these people should be allowed a bit more time before coming under the gun. When I read your post what struck me most was your three minute rule. Many people are quite time conciencious however would benifit from being allowed a wee bit more time. <br /><br />I routinly launch my toon with my kids ages 5 and 2. I back down, release my strap, lower motor, backoff, tie up, park, grab kids and walk yes walk back down and we untie and we are gone.<br /><br />I doubt three minutes quite covers me but comes close but my point being There is no real wasted time here except the walking back down with the kids which i do for safty so they dont trip on the steep pavment and skinn there nose. There is also little you could do to help me. <br /><br />I do not put myself with the examples you list and know your pain when it comes to these yahoo's however feel a little more time for some of us is not out of line.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Re: labor day at the ramp

It would be nice if launching ramps worked like docks at a rowing regatta. <br /><br />Spend to much time on the dock, you get hit with a false start penalty. It's pretty amazing how efficient people become when penalties are involved. We can launch 6-60 foot 8-man racing shells in 5 minutes. <br /><br />But all it takes is one member of a crew to throw off the whole system.<br /><br />Since my boat is slipped I don't have to deal with the BS that goes on at launching ramps, and never really paid much attention to it. But since joining the boards, I decided to watch the ramps for a while. It really is good entertainment. The Sunset Marina in Huntington Beach, CA is one of best kept launching secrets in SoCal. I've never seen it crowded, and it has direct access to the ocean. What cracks me up is how close people feel they need to get to dock. Beside the moron above, almost everybody was scraping the dock with their trailer or their boat.